Richard “Rick” Joseph Wilhelm, age 55, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, at his home in Indianapolis, Indiana, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Born on July 25, 1969, at Margaret Mary Hospital in Batesville, Indiana, Rick was the cherished son of Thomas “Tom” and Mary (née Harmeyer) Wilhelm.
Rick was a man of deep passion, quick wit, and an endless capacity for kindness. He found joy in life’s simple pleasures—sharing a laugh, spending time with loved ones, and embracing every opportunity to connect with the world around him. On January 20, 2024, Rick married the love of his life, Ruby Michelle Abney, in a beautiful ceremony in Indianapolis after dating since 2016. Their time together was filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable adventures.
A proud graduate of St. Louis Catholic School and Batesville High School, Rick went on to earn his degree in Civil Engineering from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in 1991. He later became the owner of the J. Dwight Thompson Co., a water treatment business through which he combined his technical expertise with a strong work ethic and dedication to service.
Rick had a lifelong love of sports and competition. He was an avid runner in his younger years, completing numerous half and full marathons. But it was on the golf course where Rick truly came alive. A devoted golfer, he took every chance he could to play, cherishing both the challenge and the camaraderie. One of his proudest accomplishments was being named the 2011 Club Champion at Hillcrest Golf and Country Club in Batesville, Indiana.
Rick was also a passionate fan of the Cincinnati Bengals and the Cincinnati Reds, cheering them on through every high and low season. In recent years, he embraced travel with the same enthusiasm he brought to everything else—two of his favorite trips included memorable journeys to Alaska and Mexico within the past year.
More than anything, Rick loved being with his family and friends. His presence lit up every room, and his humor, generosity, and easygoing nature made him deeply loved by all who knew him.
Rick is survived by his beloved wife, Michelle Wilhelm of Indianapolis; his foster son Jeremy (Makaela) Richardson of Kentucky; his father Tom Wilhelm of Osgood, IN; his sisters Nancy Noble of Greensburg, IN, and Molly (Shawn) Negangard of Osgood, IN; his brother Joe Wilhelm of Terre Haute, IN; his stepbrother Charles Teeters of Greensburg, IN; his stepsister Michelle (Brian) Barber of Greensburg, IN; his stepbrother-in-law Daryl Wagoner of Georgetown, OH; and sister-in-law Sabrina (Matt) Gibson of Grayslake, IL; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever miss his warmth and laughter.
Rick was preceded in death by his loving mother Mary Wilhelm, his stepmother Virginia Wilhelm, stepsister Vickie Wagoner, maternal grandparents Alvin and Mary Harmeyer, paternal grandparents Joseph and Corina Wilhelm, and uncles Richard and Nelson Harmeyer.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 8, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Weigel Funeral Home in Batesville, Indiana. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, May 9, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Oldenburg, Indiana, with Fr. John Barker, OFM, officiating. Rick will be laid to rest immediately following at Holy Family Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis—a cause close to Rick’s heart.
For online condolences, please visit www.weigelfh.com.